Chiropractic Herniated Disc Treatment: Explained

A herniated disc, commonly known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a prevalent spinal condition associated with substantial pain, discomfort, and diminished function. A comprehensive understanding of the causes and symptoms of a herniated disc is essential for its effective management.

In this article, we will explore chiropractic herniated disc treatment and why you need specialized, non-invasive care that targets the root of your pain as well as common symptoms and causes to look out for.

Chiropractic Herniated Disc Treatment 

Chiropractic herniated disc treatment offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating and managing symptoms of a herniated disc. Generally, surgery is considered when other methods are not able to relieve the pain, so chiropractic treatment can be an initial option before surgical intervention.

In addition, the correct chiropractic treatment can help with lingering or adjacent symptoms post-surgery (if surgery is required) in ways such as improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and restoring ideal alignment.

When left untreated, herniated discs can lead to a variety of symptoms and even develop into chronic conditions.  

Treatment and Management and the Importance of Specialized Care

Treatment methods may vary depending on the severity of the herniation and symptoms. Treatments may include rest and avoidance of activities that worsen symptoms, chiropractic herniated disc treatment, physical therapy, medication to help manage pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections, and surgery, such as a discectomy or spinal fusion. 

These treatments are often part of a general chiropractic treatment. While general chiropractic can effectively provide short-term pain relief, it cannot correct the structural issues at the core of herniated discs.

Utilizing an advanced methodology supported by Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP), we offer a thorough and sophisticated strategy to address the root cause of herniated discs. CBP incorporates digital X-rays, computerized spinal analysis, and comprehensive postural assessments, among other treatments, in a multimodal chiropractic care approach. This provides immediate relief and addresses and corrects any spinal misalignments contributing to the development of herniated discs.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine comprises a series of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine, allowing your spine to bend, twist, and move with ease while preventing your vertebrae from grinding together. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of one of these discs tears or protrudes through the tough outer layer due to too much force or pressure. This can cause strain on nerves and the spinal cord, resulting in pain, reduced mobility, and physical function.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Before we discuss how chiropractic herniated disc treatment can be especially effective for treating herniated discs, it’s essential to know the potential causes and symptoms.

While herniated discs can result from a single injury or incidence, disc material naturally deteriorates as we age, and ligaments weaken, increasing the risk for injury. A minor strain or twist and decreased disc flexibility can make discs more prone to ruptures. Disc herniations often result from this gradual, age-related wear and tear, referred to as disc degeneration. Below are some common factors that may increase the risk for disc herniation.

Common risk factors:

• Repetitive Motion: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or frequent bending, pulling, pushing, and twisting can put added stress on the discs, making them more susceptible to herniation.
• Weight: Excess body weight causes excess stress on the discs in the spine.
• Injury: A traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident, can disrupt normal disc position.
• Lifting: Incorrect lifting techniques or lifting heavy objects can put excess pressure on the spine and increase the risk of a herniated disk.
• Genetics: Research has shown that individuals may be predisposed to developing herniated discs. Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to disc problems and, as a result, may suffer herniated discs more frequently or in multiple locations along the spine.
• Age: As we age, the discs in our spine gradually degenerate, becoming less flexible and more prone to herniation. A minor strain or twist can result in disc herniation. 
• Trauma: Quick loading events, such as a motor vehicle collision and slip and falls, can compress the disc between the bony vertebrae and cause immediate tears in the disc itself.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary greatly depending on the location of the affected disc and the extent of the herniation. Common symptoms can include:

• Back Pain: This is often the initial symptom of a herniated disc, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. A herniated disc can be preceded by a single incidence of back pain or a more extended history of intermittent episodes of back pain. 
• Sciatic Pain: If the herniated disc occurs in the lower back, pressure on the sciatic nerve can lead to pain, burning, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the buttocks into the leg and sometimes into the foot. This pain is usually sided and can be more severe with standing, walking, or sitting, and 
• Neck Pain: If the herniated disc is in the cervical spine (neck), it can cause dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades or result in numbness or pain that radiates into the arms and hands.
• Muscle Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerve can weaken, resulting in difficulties with basic movements such as lifting objects, walking, or maintaining balance.
• Numbness or tingling: Herniated discs can pressure nerves, leading to tingling and numbness in the parts of the body served by the affected nerves.

PostureWorks Provides the Best Chiropractic Herniated Disc Treatment 

Herniated discs can be extremely painful and profoundly affect the quality of life. At PostureWorks, we can identify the spinal misalignment and curvature issue causing the herniated disc to slow or stop further degeneration. This is done using highly advanced and specialized chiropractic techniques like CBP.

CBP is a technique within chiropractic care that focuses on correcting spinal misalignments and postural abnormalities to improve overall health through in-depth health analyses to create individualized care plans. Our CBP-certified doctors at PostureWorks can provide unparalleled chiropractic herniated disc treatment, resulting in long-term relief and preventing further spinal conditions that arise from postural irregularities or spinal misalignments.

Key elements of our CBP approach to herniated disc treatment include:

• In-depth overall health analysis: A comprehensive initial exam with our CBP-certified doctors.
• Digital analysis of your spine and spinal biomechanics: Used to find the spinal misalignment or curvature issue that continues to pressure the disc.
• Individualized treatment plan: A corrective plan tailored to the individual and the location of the herniated disc.
• Mirror image spinal remodeling traction: To take pressure off of the herniated disc, slow or stop degeneration, and change spinal curvature into optimal alignment
• Mirror image postural adjustments: Adjustments in the mirror image of postural abnormalities to realign the spine effectively.
• Mirror image postural exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles to help hold changes in place and support ongoing healing and musculoskeletal health.

Our approach at PostureWorks not only provides relief from a herniated disk but can prevent the condition from causing further damage to the spine and overall health, allowing you to regain your well-being and enjoy lasting results.

Contact us today for more information on what makes us the best option for chiropractic herniated disc treatment in San Francisco, CA, or to schedule your appointment.